Into the Spotlight: March 2014

With the hype train circulating around AAA releases each month, some titles end up getting left in the dust. That’s where we come in, giving the games that don’t get the marketing push a little boost. This month, I would like to highlight 3 titles that offer something a little different;

Towerfall: Ascension

Developer: Matt Thorson

Release Date: March 11th

Platform: PS4, PC

This popular multiplayer action was previously released for the OUYA microconsole as Towerfall. Inspired by games like Super Smash Bros. and GoldenEye 007, Matt Thorson created this four-player archery combat arena game. Towerfall was widely considered to be the standout title on the OUYA. Now, the Ascension update will be adding a co-op mission mode, new power-ups, and 50 new multiplayer maps.

Pokémon Battle Trozei

Developer: Genius Sonority

Release Date: March 20th

Platform: 3DS

The sequel to 2006’s Pokémon Trozei, this spinoff Pokémon game will be a downloadable title through the Nintendo eShop. The Trozei series takes the Match 3-style of the puzzle game genre and combines it with Pokémon catching and battling. Beating a Pokémon in battle rewards you with a Trozei of that Pokémon, with the goal being to catch all 718 known species. Matched attacks also have types, making certain matches super effective against certain Pokémon. The game will also utilize the 3DS StreetPass feature to share favorite Pokémon and complete your collection.

Shovel Knight

Developer: Yacht Club Games

Release Date: March 31st

Platform: WiiU, 3DS, PC

This Kickstarter success will be Yacht Club Games’ debut title. Inspired by classic games like Megaman and Ducktales, Shovel Knight has you exploring levels, fighting enemies, and upgrading your items and abilities to take on The Order of No Quarter. Filled with content like alternate modes and backer-designed characters, Shovel Knight has a lot of game to offer. For those who love video game music (like myself), the soundtrack is being composed by Jake Kaufman, the WayForward composer known for titles like Double Dragon Neon and Mighty Switch Force. Manami Matsumae, composer for the original Megaman, will also be providing a few songs for the game.